Kaiser Permanente has made several moves in recent months, whether that be expansions, policy adjustments or technology implementations, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Here are seven recent moves by the Oakland, Calif.-based health system, as reported by Becker's since June 24:
1. Daniel Yang, MD, vice president of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies at Kaiser Permanente, told The Wall Street Journal he is concerned about a growing divide in AI adoption, where some health systems can afford the technology while others cannot.
2. Kaiser Permanente made a generative AI-powered clinical documentation tool available to providers across its 40 hospitals and over 600 medical offices through a contract with AI startup Abridge.
3. Kaiser reported an operating income of $908 million in the second quarter, up from $741 million in the same period last year. Its operating margin grew from 2.9% in the second quarter of 2023 to 3.1% in the second quarter of this year.
4. The health system expanded its home health agency on Hawaii Island that is geared toward members who rely on assistive devices such as walkers, canes or wheelchairs, and those with health conditions that limit their ability to leave home and necessitate care from skilled nurses or therapists.
5. Kaiser's medical school in Pasadena, Calif., extended its tuition waiver policy for one year, allowing a sixth cohort to attend tuition-free.
6. The system laid off 51 employees from IT positions in Pleasanton, Calif.
7. Kaiser's nonprofit entity Risant Health signed a definitive agreement to acquire Greensboro, N.C.-based Cone Health.